
Silvia Diovanti Serrano
Undergraduate Intern: Social Media Manager, Well-Being & Psychological Services
Major: PSYC
Class Year: 2023
What was a typical week like in your internship position?
The biggest part of my internship is working for a private practice that created a social-emotional learning (SEL) program serving bilingual children living in the Heights, New York. Therefore, a typical week at Well-Being & Psychological Services looks like a 30-minute to an hour supervisor meeting on Mondays and an additional five hours of creating and posting Instagram content for our SEL program!
Occasionally I take part in caregiver lunch and learn trainings for parents on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm and teach parents/guardians/caregivers the safety features on social media platforms- assuring that their children stay safe! Lastly, sometimes I get the opportunity to sit in and watch live therapy sessions with my superior and her clients. During, these sessions I typically code for Child Directed Interaction!
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
WOW! Where to start? I have grown to love all aspects of my internship:)
When creating the SEL content, I make all lesson plans in English and Spanish, reminding me of all the lives it will reach and hopefully make an impact!
During the caregiver lunch and learns, I can talk with parents one-on-one and help them through some of their difficulties relating to their children being on social media. I love this aspect of my internship because sometimes it is difficult for Spanish-speaking parents to find resources to discuss their issues.
Lastly, when I'm sitting in on therapy sessions, I remember why I applied to this internship; I want to open my private practice one day:) My supervisor is fantastic because we typically review all the 101 tips for running a private practice.
How did your coursework help you in your internship?
As a psychology major, I think there have been courses that have helped me in my position.
Helping Skills PSYC433 has helped me talk with parents during the caregiver lunch and learns.
Developmental Psychology PSYC355 has helped me learn more about children's thought processes and development, so I apply this knowledge when creating content for IG!
Multicultural PSYC354 has helped me work with individuals from different racial/cultural backgrounds from my own.
How did you locate your internship position?
Through my undergraduate experience, I have been a proud member of our Psychological Research Empowerment Program (PREP) here on campus. In this program our professor, Dr. Naz does a fantastic job of sharing the opportunities she receives. One day, the PREP members received an email expressing the need for an undergraduate intern at Well-Being & Psychological Services - I applied and got it!
Advice for students:
Obtaining an internship is a privilege not everyone gets to experience. I know a handful of people that would love to get an internship but have to prioritize other life responsibilities. Don't forget to be grateful.
My advice:
1) Internships are great but they are not the end of the world! If you do not get one, there are plenty of opportunities everywhere to gain new skills and capacities!
2) If you are fortunate enough and have the time/resources for an internship... APPLY!
3) Be realistic about your time. Do you really have the extra time to put in 5+ hours a week?
4) To make the most of your experiences be your authentic self and try new things, challenge yourself!